Despite retracting its threat to boycott FIFA events, UEFA is moving forward with its plans to confront Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election next year.
A letter stating that the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative will not be renewed is anticipated to be delivered to UEFA’s representatives on the FIFA Council and Europe’s 55 member associations.
The boycott is anticipated to be formally declared at UEFA’s executive committee meeting in Monaco, as reported on Thursday.
The ruling allows all six European nations to compete in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next week. Competition is planned for England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the hosts, Poland.
When Infantino runs for reelection in March, UEFA is still optimistic that a unity candidate can be found to challenge him.
“UEFA believes the contest could be closely fought, and a candidate needs the support of 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations to win,” BBC Sport continued.
Since a vote of no confidence against Infantino would need 159 votes, or three quarters of FIFA’s membership, UEFA has given up on the idea.
Victor Montagliani, the president of Concacaf, is thought to be a major contender, but no opponent has yet been found.
The deadline for submitting FIFA presidential nominations is November 18.
Even if Infantino wins a close election, UEFA thinks that if his legitimacy is called into doubt and his level of popularity declines significantly, his presidency might be seriously harmed.
UEFA’s 55 associations decided last month to abstain from FIFA competitions until the Forward Enterprise idea was fully abandoned and legally binding assurances were given that FIFA would never again allow private ownership of its governance or competitions.
FIFA is happy that all eligible teams will compete in the forthcoming Under-20 Women’s World Cup and has applauded UEFA’s decision to terminate the boycott.
FIFA added that it is dedicated to advancing football through communication with confederations and other stakeholders and that it thinks the sport can bring people together during trying times.
